Latest News

Chewonki Camp for Boys Activity Head/Support Staff

Seasonal

Wiscasset, Maine

Posted 2 months ago

Activity Heads/Support Staff are vital to delivering a great Camp Chewonki experience. Even though Activity Heads and Support Staff typically live in Chewonki staff housing they do provide critical support to Cabin Counselors. They are responsible for getting to know campers through participation in activities and creating a warm, welcoming and fun activity and camp environment.

Chewonki campers sign up for and take part in specific activities in three-day blocks with each block including about five hours of activity time. Activity Heads/Support Staff must enjoy being around and interacting with children. Their job is fun but often challenging and provides daily opportunities to get to know participants well. Like all staff, Activity Heads must often call on reserves of patience, empathy, and humor.

Prerequisites

18 years old and/or a high school graduate.

Pass background check.

Able to attend staff training per Employment Agreement.

Demonstrated experience and teaching ability in a specific activity area

Requisites

Able to attend staff training per employment agreement.

Attend necessary Driver Training.

Must be certified in Wilderness First Aid

Responsibilities

Plan activity blocks and prepare activity descriptions for the Program Director so campers are able to choose activities based on accurate descriptions.

Manage activity supplies and equipment. Order new equipment as needed.

Coordinate daily activity plans and staff coverage of activities.

Plan for activity coverage during afternoon free times.

Provide support to the camp community and especially to cabin staff as needed.

Write and submit end of summer Activity Report.

Desired Skills

Risk Management

Chewonki participants and staff have countless opportunities for exploration, challenge, and accomplishment. In ways both highly and minimally consequential we routinely evaluate risk-taking for ourselves and others. Is it safe to cross the street with my children? What are the consequences of swimming at the beginning of this rapid? In-camp risks tend to be more well-identified while evaluating risks in a wilderness setting often requires more experience. Chewonki staff must frequently examine and balance the value versus the cost of specific risks.

Leadership

We seek staff members who have experience taking a leadership role of some kind, be it in education, another outdoor organization, or service. We look for people who are compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, and enjoy engaging with kids.

Technical

Technical skills are a combination of the physical abilities and knowledge necessary for any activity. What level of technical skills will you need? It depends. The skills and experience needed to lead a group of campers on a mile hike in an urban park might be quickly acquired while those needed to guide a high altitude alpine climb could take years to acquire. And, there is everything in between. Some examples of technical skills include: trip planning, first aid, nutrition and hydration, navigation, knocking and shooting an arrow, using a pull-saw in woodshop and countless other activity specific skills. We offer many activities in camp. The skills needed to take part in and lead some activities are fairly easily acquired while it might take longer to gain confidence and competency in others.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal or communication skills are often tougher to define and evaluate than technical skills but are just as critical. Developing strong interpersonal skills is often hastened by honest, constructive feedback. Some examples of core interpersonal skills include: having a sense of humor, judgment, awareness of the group and one’s self, teamwork, crisis management, decision making and empathy.

If you think you have the skills and temperament required to do take on this responsibility we’d love to speak with you, answer questions and help you learn more about a summer at Chewonki. We look forward to being in touch.